University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Top Questions

College is exactly what you expect: diffcult. Don't go into college assuming that it is any easier that what you have already heard. You have to study countless hours and dedicate your time and effort to every single one of your assingments. Living on campus is a new and exciting experience, but it can be one of the deadliest for your GPA. Socializing seems so easy when you have a couple of classmates you can talk to that are right down the hall. Prioritize, manage your time wisely, and never under estimate things. Although deadlines might seem like they are an eternity away, they are always closer than they appear. Start working and do little by little everyday, so when the deadline comes around you aren't trying to do everything the night before. Never cram before an exam because you cannot retain that information. It is always best to study throughout the semester and review your notes. Besides that, have fun, enjoy yourself, and know that college is what YOU make it!

If I could go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would simply give myself five words of important advice: Be loud, and embrace opportunities. Firstly, it is important to be loud. In this regard I am not referring to talking amongst your peers, or the level of music you play at a party. Instead, I would urge myself to make myself known and avoid attempting to "blend in." College applications and orientation programs are not a time be bashful and humble - people want to get to know you and about what you think. Keeping quiet isn't going to do you any favors. Secondly, passing up on opportunities is not necessarily an immediate loss for you, but is instead an immediate gain for your classmate. Again, to avoid misunderstanding, I am not suggesting a ruthless personality that leaves no space for consideration of others. I am merely advising new college students to avoid giving the competition a "leg up" on jobs, internships, and scholarships, etc. Some opportunities may never be accessible again. In short, remember that there are a lot of college students in the world, but far fewer create successful careers.

My biggest challenge in college has been adjust to a busier schedule. This semester in particular, it seems that I am always busy. There is always homework to do, a organization meeting, a personal meeting, work, or a group project meeting. With all of these things going on, I still have to try to make time to have a personal life. In high school, I didn't have many things to worry about. Though this may seem a little bit strange, if I could speak to my high school self, I would tell me to take on more responsibility. I feel that if I had been a little more active, college would not be such a shock to me. When I say active I mean participation in more school sports, clubs, or volunteering. Being more active in high school would have hopefully made me better at my time management skills.

Althouh I had to do a lot of work in high school, it almost seems like nothing compared to the work that I have to do now. I may have a class three times a week, but have to do work for it everyday just to keep up with what we're doing. If I went back in time, I would tell myself to work harder on my school work in high school because it would help me develop better study habits ahead of time. I would also tell myself that working hard will pay off because college isn't all work and no play, and the rewards that I would receive in college would make all of my work seem well worth the time I spent doing it. I would also tell myself to save as much money as possible during the school year and the summer because college life can become very expensive in a very short amount of time. I would also tell myself to choose the college that I love, and not to choose a school based on pressure from family or anyone else.

There is no better place to explore who you are and what you want your life to be about. Give yourself the freedom to find what career you're passionate about. Your studies are important; utilize your professors and resources the university offers. Changing majors midway through college is normal. Almost everyone is nervous about moving to college. Find a genuine group of friends. You will have the best times with them and you will need them in the rough parts. Getting drunk is not the highlife. Go find a campus performance, explore the town or cram a group of friends into your dorm room, order pizza and watch movies. Find a mentor, college brings up huge life questions. College is not about having a perfect track record; don?t beat yourself up over mistakes. Mistakes are part of what make us who we are. Learn from them and grow. Don?t get so caught up in studies that you forget to have fun. Get involved with student groups, you will learn just as much there as in classes. When you look back on college you are going to remember the football games, clubs, concerts and the friends you made.

Be open to the process that you?re about to experience. There are so many resources at this university that you can take advantage of in terms of academics, cultural activities, the arts, and social opportunities, but be proactive. Seek out these opportunities by asking questions, listening to others, and moving out of your comfort zone. In high school, everything seemed so at your fingertips, but if you remember, it took time for you to understand that system. You won?t be master of campus right away, nor would you want to be. So much of your next four years will be part of a process of personal growth and intellectual exploration that you will want to experience every moment as it happens. The memories, relationships, and stories you take away from college will be some of the most memorable in your life, and they will prepare you for life ahead. So, take positive risks and seek out the people who challenge you to be a better person. The degree is important, but I challenge you to have it be the sign of a thousand thoughts, memories, discoveries, and accomplishments than a mere piece of paper.

life after high school is'nt simple . sign up for more scholarships, be more open to different ocuppation . life is going to be tough ,but you have to be tougher then life. You get out of life what you put in it. and never give up.

I would suggest taking a couple of years off before going to college to explore myself and the world a bit, but I would definately tell myself to go after the year or two. I would tell myself to be sure you are ready to focus and take college very seriously, because I think many students go into college for the partying and waste their time and money. I would also say that it is important to follow your bliss in a career, because no amount of money can beat being happy, content, and proud of what you do for a living.

Go to college to work hard and do well academically, but also to form friendships. Focusing on your work is extremely important, but those first few weeks of school are difficult if you do not have a friend by your side to help push you through the homesickness and difficulties of adjusting to the new school. Most importantly though, trust yourself. Trust that you have worked hard all through elementary, middle, and high school and you are prepared for this. Those endless hours of studying for tests, the late nights you spent writing papers, the days you showed up for class and pushed through despite being exhausted and unsure of whether or not you could make it, those are the times that have prepared you for college. Just beacuse you are at a new, bigger, and more prestigious school doesn't mean you don't belong there - you were accepted - you are good enough. Everyone is scared and doing it for the first time. Trust yourself and enjoy the experience because it only comes around once.

Take heart! The future is bright; do not be downcast, afraid, or without care, for though you do not yet know or see the joy you will soon share, its certainty in coming is without question. Have faith, and let this advice take root in your heart: Continue to seek wisdom, finding good counselors who live peaceably with others (great and small) and have a good name for being just. Some of them will be found in books rather than walking among you; therefore, be diligent to read selectively but often. And, read antiquity?s recommendations, but hold the Scriptures above all else, that the words of Christ may be your guide. Relax. All will proceed in due time. Friends will emerge, anxieties will settle, and work will be completed ? just be sure to sleep. Enjoy each day?s work. Though I know you have several years to live, you would do best to live each day with the mindset that it may be your last. You should live as if everyday presents your last opportunity to show mercy, to love your brother, to give thanks for the cup of water, etc. Do these and you will do well.